News Analysis India

Tag: Independence

  • Election Facts: This Indian State Had Its Own Prime Minister Even After Independence |

    NEW DELHI: As the nation gears up for the impending Lok Sabha and assembly elections, a fascinating journey through India’s political landscape beckons us to revisit a time when the subcontinent was fragmented into 565 princely states before liberating itself from British colonial rule. These indigenous realms, staunch advocates of sovereign governance, posed a significant challenge to the vision of a unified India. Amidst the mosaic of territories comprising ‘Territories of British India,’ ‘Princely states,’ and colonial outposts of France and Portugal, the post-independence era witnessed a remarkable transition.

    Following India’s independence, a vast majority of 562 princely states pledged allegiance to the Indian Confederation, with notable exceptions like Hyderabad, Junagadh, Bhopal, and Kashmir.

    The post-independence period witnessed a fluidity in the boundaries of Indian states. From the initial count of 565 princely states and 17 provinces before partition, the landscape morphed into 14 states and 6 Union Territories post the 1956 Reorganisation of States. Subsequently, this number burgeoned to 29 states and 7 union territories by 2014, culminating in the bifurcation of Jammu & Kashmir, leading to 28 states and 9 Union Territories.

    Of significant historical note is the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir, which retained its own Prime Minister and Sadr-e-Riyasat (Head of State) until 1965. The amendment to the J&K Constitution in 1965, under the Sixth Constitution of the J&K Amendment Act, marked a pivotal moment. The positions of Prime Minister and Sadr-e-Riyasat were supplanted by the Chief Minister and Governor, respectively, by the Congress government of the time.

    Jammu & Kashmir’s political saga unfolds with a cast of notable figures. Sir Albion Banerjee, appointed by Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh, served as the first Prime Minister. His tenure was succeeded by a succession of leaders, including Mehr Chand Mahajan and Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who transitioned from Head of the Administration to Prime Minister.

    However, the political landscape of J&K witnessed tumultuous shifts, epitomized by the arrest of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s directives. Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad succeeded him, followed by Khwaja Shamsuddin and Congress leader Ghulam Mohammad Sadiq.It was during Sadiq’s tenure that the Central government orchestrated the transformation, marking the dawn of a new era with Sadiq assuming the mantle of the first Chief Minister.

    The constitutional evolution of J&K saw the emergence of the Sadr-e-Riyasat, a position imbued with significant electoral significance. However, subsequent amendments and political negotiations led to its eventual demise, with Karan Singh serving as the sole Sadr-e-Riyasat until its abolition in 1965, concurrently becoming the inaugural Governor.

    The intricacies of Jammu & Kashmir’s constitutional journey have been the subject of legal and political discourse. The Sixth Amendment to the J&K Constitution ushered in substantial structural changes, delineating the roles of Sadr-e-Riyasat and the Governor, albeit amidst contentious debates.

    In 1975, a Presidential Order, issued under Article 370, restricted the J&K Legislature from altering the constitutional provisions regarding the appointment and powers of the Governor.

    In a landmark ruling in December 2015, the J&K High Court deemed the conversion of Sadr-e-Riyasat into Governor unconstitutional, underscoring the significance of ‘elective’ status in preserving the state’s constitutional autonomy.

    The clamour for reinstating J&K’s autonomy to its original 1953 position reverberates through its major political parties, notably the National Conference, spearheaded by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. However, attempts at restoration have been met with political resistance, underscoring the complexities entrenched within the region’s constitutional narrative.

  • Journalist sans independence same as judge who has lost independence: Justice Srikrishna

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Former Supreme Court judge BN Srikrishna has called for preserving the independence of journalists to ensure smooth functioning of democracy in the country.

    Justice Srikrishna was speaking Friday night after presenting the annual RedInk awards for excellence in journalism, instituted by the Mumbai Press Club.

    “Two professions have to be necessarily independent, a judge and a journalist. If they falter, democracy suffers,” he said.

    “A journalist who loses his independence is as bad as a judge who has lost his independence,” he added.

    “Remember, you are in a profession where honesty is really the best policy,” said the noted jurist, who headed the Srikrishna Commission that investigated causes and apportioned blame for the Mumbai riots of 1992-93.

    Senior journalist TJS George was presented the RedInk Award for lifetime achievement for his distinguished career as an editor and columnist.

    In the 1960s, George (94) was the editor of the Patna-headquartered newspaper ‘The Searchlight’ known for its anti-establishment stand.

    The Press Club’s ‘Journalist of the Year’ Award for 2021 was given to Om Gaur, National Editor of ‘Dainik Bhaskar’ for leading a team of reporters and photographers that “tirelessly exposed the tragedy of Covid deaths” in UP’s towns and cities along the river Ganga.

    In his acceptance speech, Gaur said he was receiving the award on behalf of his colleagues who made the coverage possible.

    The awards, along with 24 other winners in 12 categories, were presented at NCPA auditorium in south Mumbai.

    MUMBAI: Former Supreme Court judge BN Srikrishna has called for preserving the independence of journalists to ensure smooth functioning of democracy in the country.

    Justice Srikrishna was speaking Friday night after presenting the annual RedInk awards for excellence in journalism, instituted by the Mumbai Press Club.

    “Two professions have to be necessarily independent, a judge and a journalist. If they falter, democracy suffers,” he said.

    “A journalist who loses his independence is as bad as a judge who has lost his independence,” he added.

    “Remember, you are in a profession where honesty is really the best policy,” said the noted jurist, who headed the Srikrishna Commission that investigated causes and apportioned blame for the Mumbai riots of 1992-93.

    Senior journalist TJS George was presented the RedInk Award for lifetime achievement for his distinguished career as an editor and columnist.

    In the 1960s, George (94) was the editor of the Patna-headquartered newspaper ‘The Searchlight’ known for its anti-establishment stand.

    The Press Club’s ‘Journalist of the Year’ Award for 2021 was given to Om Gaur, National Editor of ‘Dainik Bhaskar’ for leading a team of reporters and photographers that “tirelessly exposed the tragedy of Covid deaths” in UP’s towns and cities along the river Ganga.

    In his acceptance speech, Gaur said he was receiving the award on behalf of his colleagues who made the coverage possible.

    The awards, along with 24 other winners in 12 categories, were presented at NCPA auditorium in south Mumbai.

  • A colourful, cultural extravaganza

    By Express News Service

    After two years of staying indoors, there is a feeling of freedom to finally be out in the open and interact with people. We were incandescent with glee when we visited the Bharat Bhagya Vidhata Red Fort Festival on Monday evening. August 15 Park (Lahori Gate) is the venue for this event and hosts makeshift stalls and a giant Ferris wheel.

    This 10-day extravaganza, which was unveiled on March 25, is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of India. Part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav—an initiative by the government of India to commemorate 75 years of Indian Independence—highlights the country’s diverse crafts, cuisines, and more.The Ministry of Culture has conceptualised this event along with Dalmia Bharat Limited, the organisation selected as Red Fort’s ‘Monument Mitra’ by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India.

    As part of the ‘Adopt a Heritage Project’ by the Government, Dalmia Bharat Limited has been working towards making the iconic 17th Century heritage site tourist-friendly. The festival is thus a giant step taken for the purpose of heritage conservation and tourism.

    “The very magnitude and importance of the festival holds relevance as it is larger than life, and incorporates a fusion of art, culture, enthusiastic participation from culture lovers, food, and presentation from across our great nation,” shares Puneet Dalmia, managing director of Dalmia Bharat Limited.

    Divided into a number of sections, this festival will offer the visitors a wholesome experience of ‘Bharat’. Divided into five sections, this festival offers visitors a wholesome experience of ‘Bharat’.

    The best of everythingAlong with food stalls under the ‘Khao Gali’ section that offers Indian cuisines, the festival also has a section titled ‘Khel Gaon’ specifically for children. In the latter, one will witness ongoing workshops, storytelling sessions, games, and more, that are likely to keep children both informed and entertained.

    ‘Satrangi’ is a section allocated to around 70 craftspersons, with stalls featuring Kashmir’s Sozni embroidery, Rajasthan’s horn and bone craft, Ikat from Telangana, and more.

    Vankar Ramesh Virji, a generational Bhujodi weaver from Bhuj-Kutch, shared, “It is great that artisans can showcase their work here without paying for the stalls.” Seline Fernandez from Dwarka, who was browsing through the stalls here, shared, “It is great for those interested in handicrafts to meet artisans face to face.”

    Interactive storytelling

    Just as the stalls have been attracting visitors interested in crafts, the festival also has exhibitions and performances for culture enthusiasts. One such interactive exhibition is the ‘Bharat Gaurav’ that showcases India’s achievements. Visitors might also be interested in the ‘Yatra’—a 360 degree immersive experience narrating the story of India as one of the oldest civilisations.

    The experimental project attempts to modernise oral storytelling. Ananya Jain from Rohini, who was at the festival with her parents on Monday, said, “‘Yatra’ was one of my favourites; it is a different way to gain information about the country.”

    There is also a cultural parade—it circles the festival ground once a day—choreographed by classical dancer Maitreyee Pahari. It highlights India’s folk dance forms such as Singhi Chham from Sikkim, Ao Naga dance from Nagaland, Kalbelia from Rajasthan, among others.

    Every evening, the Rang Manch stage is enlivened by live performances featuring multiple artists. Notable musicians such as playback singer Shaan, contemporary folk musician Raghu Dixit, and others have already performed here.

    Speaking about the festival being at the Red Fort, Jain concluded, “Nothing can be more significant to have a festival highlighting India at a monument that has such historical importance to our nation.”

    CHECK IT OUT

    WHAT: Bharat Bhagya Vidhata Red Fort FestivalWHEN: Till April 3; 11:00am to 10:00pmWHERE: August 15 Park, Red Fort

    MUST-WATCH HIGHLIGHTS

    WHAT: Cultural Parade by Maitreyee PahariWHEN: Every day; 4:00pm

    WHAT: Bharat Gaurav and Yatra exhibitionsWHEN: Every day; 4:00pm onwards

    WHAT: Anokhe Vastra: Puppet Theatre by Dadi PudumjeeWHEN: Today; 8:00pm

    WHAT: Nizami Brothers performanceWHEN: April 1; 9:00pm

  • Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla reviews preparation of UTs for ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Saturday reviewed the preparations of Union Territories (UTs) to celebrate the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ is an initiative of the central government to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of India’s independence.

    During the meeting, chief secretaries and advisors to the administrators of the UTs shared details of the programme drawn out around the theme of Indian freedom struggle while highlighting the culture, tradition and heritage of their respective UTs.

    Several innovative ideas were put forth by the participants of the meeting in order to make the event an iconic celebration, an official statement said.

    The union home secretary stressed on uniqueness of the events, linkage with freedom struggle and freedom fighters, ensuring highest quality in planning of the events and highlighted that all the events must have extensive involvement of public at large.

    Bhalla urged the UTs to give the programmes a concrete shape for inclusion in the MHA’s calendar of events, the statement said.

    Earlier on August 19, the home secretary had chaired a meeting with the Directors General of CAPFs, Chairman, Land Port Authority of India, and heads of other organisations within the Ministry of Home Affairs to discuss the week-long programme of the MHA to celebrate the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

  • Inauguration of crop insurance week under Amrit Mahotsav of Azadi

    “Crop Insurance Week” is being organized to bring more and more farmers under insurance cover by bringing public awareness to the farmers in the current Kharif season in areas with less insurance cover of Raipur district. Publicity for the promotion of Prime Minister’s crop insurance scheme by Collector Saurabh Kumar and Chief Executive Officer, District Panchayat Shri Mayank Chaturvedi from Collectorate Complex Raipur. The Prasar Rath was flagged off. This chariot will travel in 56 gram panchayats of the district.

    It is worth mentioning that on the 75th anniversary of independence, ‘Crop Insurance Week’ is being organized from July 1 to July 7 through ‘Amrit Mahotsav Abhiyan of India’. Agriculture Production Commissioner and Collector Raipur has asked all the 126 service cooperative societies of the district to get applications from maximum farmers and ask them to benefit from crop insurance. Similarly, the target of getting crop insurance has also been given to senior agricultural development officers of all the four development blocks.

    On the first day, Prime Minister’s crop insurance was promoted by Rath in 16 gram panchayat of Abhanpur block. The District In-charge of the Deputy Director Agriculture and Crop Insurance Company was also directed by the Collector to bring more and more farmers of the district under the purview of crop insurance.

  • Some people are trying to mislead the peasant movement: Nitin Gadkari

    Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the current government has taken historical decisions in the interest of farmers. He said that the farmers should get a fair price for their crops, so the government is making efforts at every level. Efforts are being made to mislead this movement and confuse the farmers. Farmers should beware of such sections.

    Nitin Gadkari while talking to India TV said that in the last 6 years after independence, our government has done as much work for farmers. No previous government has given that much money.

    Nitin Gadkari said that earlier it was a bond that farmers could sell their goods in the mandi itself. But now there will not be such compulsion wherever he will get a higher price, he can sell his product there. He said that people confuse when the ability to convert is over.

    Union Minister Gadkari said that the matter of giving agriculture in the hands of corporate is completely false. Gadkari said that there is a practice of farming on share and there is a contract for two to three years. The land will remain in the name of the farmer. Lies are being spread about contract forming. Various types of things are being said to completely mislead the farmers. Shouldn’t farmers be freed from the clutches of brokers and middlemen?

    We have fully protected the farmers. The government stands completely with the farmers. Leaders of various parties had put their suggestions in Parliament and everyone was included. Efforts are being made to misguide this movement and confuse the farmers. Farmers should beware of such sections. In the last 6 years after independence, our government has done as much work for farmers. No previous government has given that much money.

    The farmers have the right to the movement and the government is committed to the interests of the farmers, but some people want to bring forward their agenda in the name of the farmers’ movement. Farmers should beware of such elements. Everyone saw what kind of pictures were put in the movement. There are some elements that are engaged in misguiding this movement.

  • Taiwan Blocks Pro-China News Outlet’s Licence Renewal Over Political Interference Concerns

    The Taiwan government on Wednesday, November 18, refused to renew the broadcast license of a leading pro-China cable news channel over complaints of political interference.

    As per reports, the National Communications Commission (NCC) said that it has rejected CTiTV’s application to renew its license and cited repeated violations of rules on accurate reporting. CTiTV’s parent company, the Want Want China Times media group, owns the news channel and it also publishes one of Taiwan’s main newspapers. The channel has been long affiliated with a Beijing-friendly political view and is partially connected to its large business interests in China.

    NCC Chairperson Chen Yaw-shyang in his ruling is reported to have made no particular allegations of pro-China bias against the station. However, he said it appeared susceptible to outside influences, as per reports. While speaking at a press conference declaring the result of the license review, Chen said the biggest problem is external interference into the TV station’s news production and broadcast.

    News channel CTiTV, which officially loses its license on December 11, condemned the ruling as an attempt to silence dissenting voices in a blow against democracy and freedom of speech. However, the channel will still be able to operate its entertainment channels and publish online. 

    Taiwan has long rejected China’s claim over the island and fought against Beijing-imposed diplomatic isolation as well shrewd efforts to win over Taiwan’s business elite. The island nation has one of the liveliest free media environments in Asia, a stark contrast to the strong control maintained during nearly four decades of martial law imposed by the Nationalist Party, which came to the island in 1949 after being driven from mainland China by the Communists.

    However, concerns over a political bias crept into Taiwan’s reporting after the purchase of media assets by business conglomerates rose, particularly those with investments in China. Adding further, Chen said the decision against CTiTV was intended partly to prevent that trend.

    The NCC Chairperson added that the message is clear to all consortiums who intend to purchase media outlets, to respect editorial independence and professionality.

  • Shreyas Iyer admits – this is the toughest league, big thing to play final

    Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Shreyas Iyer said after the Indian Premier League (IPL) final loss to Mumbai Indians (MI) that he is proud of his team’s players as reaching the final is not a small achievement. The Delhi Capitals team reached the final for the first time and Iyer said, “We will come back stronger now and try to win the trophy.”

    Iyer said after taking a check of Rs 12 crore 50 lakh from the second-placed team, ‘IPL always surprises you. This league is probably one of the most difficult leagues. The feeling of playing in this league is amazing. It has been a great journey. I am proud of my players, reaching the finals is no small feat. This is a great achievement. Winning the IPL is even bigger – it is one step ahead. ‘

    He thanked his team’s fans who supported the team throughout the season. Praising coach Ricky Ponting, Iyer said, ‘I have mentioned many times, Ricky is probably the best I have worked with so far. The freedom he gives, is fantastic. I like being with them. He is a confident coach, I respect him a lot. The way he meets and inspires the players is fantastic. ‘

  • Trump lashes out at China after defeat, bans four Communist Party officials

    Donald Trump is seen taking a more aggressive stand against China after the defeat in the US presidential election. 72 days before the end of his term, he announced a ban on four more Chinese officials on the issue of political rights repression in Hong Kong. On Monday, the US State Department issued a statement saying that all four of them would be banned from traveling to America and acquiring any kind of property here.

    The US has banned these officials for their role in implementing the National Security Act in Hong Kong, as the US sees this law as a very rigorous suppression of freedom of expression and the politics of opposition. This law was passed in June. The United States has previously banned many officials, including Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam.

    Also Trump may blame China for the detention and massacre of Uygur Muslims in Xinjiang. Days before the US presidential election, National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien accused China of committing genocide in Xinjiang. In addition, Trump may ban the visas of Chinese Communist Party officials. It is also believed that they could try to order American athletes not to attend the Winter Olympics in China in 2022.